Durell Shell, a 38-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on February 18, 2025, in Long Beach, California. The incident occurred in the 1400 block of Locust Avenue, where officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 9:04 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered evidence of a shooting but did not immediately locate the victim. Shortly after, authorities were informed that a male adult with gunshot wounds had been transported to a local hospital by a private party.
The victim, later identified as Durell Shell, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Law enforcement officials classified the case as a homicide, determining that Shell had died from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, though the exact motive and circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Authorities worked diligently to identify a suspect, and after an extensive inquiry, homicide detectives arrested Edgar Melgar Salazar, a 28-year-old resident of Long Beach, on March 6, 2025. Special Investigations Division detectives, with assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, apprehended Salazar at a residence in Long Beach. He was subsequently transported to the Long Beach City Jail and booked on charges of murder, with bail set at $3,000,000.
Detectives do not believe that Salazar and Shell were previously acquainted. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the motive and circumstances of the shooting. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the case.
